"Thanks, but No Thanks."Amidst the excitement following the December 18th, 2009 Dominica General Elections, and the flurry of congratulatory messages received by the new government was an unusual note from the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as reported, which demands some comment.

The Republic of the Commonwealth of Dominica has enjoyed the most cordial and harmonious relationship with the Republic of Venezuela over the years of its existence as an independent state. To the best of my knowledge, during the election campaign no party announced or suggested any intention of affecting or altering that relationship. It is a relationship marked by the fact that Venezuela was among the first countries to recognize Dominica's independence. Again, following the destruction caused by Hurricanes David and Frederick, Venezuela was one of the first countries on the scene with much-appreciated assistance and relief. Since that time and continuing to this date, Venezuela has been a source of socio-economic support, technical assistance, educational and cultural programs to the great benefit of Dominica. More significant and formal relationships and agreements such as Petro-Caribe and ALBA evidence a strengthening of ties of mutual collaboration, notwithstanding any concerns in some quarters. (Full Article)

The writer, W.R.Franklin Watty, a Dominican national, is a professional economist, land use planner and tourism consultant. He is a former economist and planner with the Province of Ontario; and, the former Director of Planning and Transportation for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. In addition, he has served for twelve years as a professional adjudicator,mediator, negotiator and arbitrator in the Ministry of the Attorney General, Government of Ontario. He is currently retired from the Public Service; is the Principal of FRANK WATTY CONSULTANCIES INC., economic, land use and tourism planners; and, is Adjunct Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Waterloo. He can be reached at watlough@rogers.com